After research and refinement of an appropriate branded name - I have confirmed the name of the product the SkatterLantern. The gap developed originally as a single useful extended-function piece of camping or outdoors equipment.

For the SkatterLantern name itself, it was merely a deviation from the original Skeeter. There was no formal survey, but when asking people to test the unit, I simply asked folks what they thought of the name and if there were any alternatives they could think of.

None of the alternatives were considered by those who suggested them as "better" and thought SkatterLantern was catchy, a search for any similar branding drew a blank. So the name stuck!

Note:There was really no purpose served by working on an extensive name-generating matrix and survey at this point as the name had already been solidly established through impromptu commentary. For the next offering of this design course, I would suggest that it is clearly stated to defer naming the artifact until this point in the course.

GAP Background: Developed from the original gap of a SINGLE piece of standard equipment that could address a major threat or discomfort typically afflicted upon campers or outdoor activists. The hand-held Lantern is a common piece of critical equipment so this was a logical starting point. Initially the "SkeeterLight" which used a mosquito repelling circuit housed in a standard handheld lantern body. However subsequent research indicated the general ineffectiveness of the repelling effect for these devices. A series of consumer interviews identified wayward or hostile dogs in camping area as another major threat. Safe but effective use of ultrasonics to repel attacking or hostile dogs have been shown (in numerous studies) to be highly effective. I purchased a commercial device and was able to confirm effectiveness. On disassembly the circuit-board was very compact and could slave power from the existing lantern 6V battery.

Next Steps: Research branding, marketing and manufacturing opportunities. Refine into a consumer product. Transducer mounting is currently angled slightly upwards which given the directional nature of the transducer, requires the unit be tipped down slightly to aim. A mounting wedge should ensure better aiming. Preliminary research shows the Website name IS AVAILABLE:

More Next Steps: Electronic repulsion circuit scratch build, test and integrate. I used a commercially available device as the key element for the beta. There are a number of public domain circuits - actual cost of components (as per the circuit below) and a custom board (1000 qty) about $6 each. Estimated cost of the plastic housing, switches and lantern battery amount to a further $4 (1000 qty). So the cost of materials for 1000 is about $10, Manufacturing, shipping and packaging (1000 units) could add another $4-6. Thus a possible retail cost would be around $34,95, To arrive at a 50% wholesale markdown the profit would hopefully be between $3 to $5 a unit.

Below is one of several a public domain 555 timer based repulsion circuits similar to the one in the commercial unit.

Other Information: Particular care was taken to ensure this is considered a safe device. Preliminary veterinarian based reports suggest that it is. Assembling the components is straightforward given there is plenty of room to add the circuit. Drilling a small hole in the handle and the top of the case allows connection to the circuit power switch. Additional caulking or epoxy would ensure a secure fit. In use the lantern switch does not interfere with the repeller transducer. See the pictures below:

This is a closeup view looking at the back of the lantern handle:

Footnote: On June 12th 2013, I finally got to "test" the unit in the field (so to speak). Well let's say in my garden where I noticed an unknown off-leash German shepherd sniffing around apparently deciding whether our lawn was the perfect spot to make a deposit. I grabbed the SkatterLantern from the shelf, ran outside. The pooing pooch was just making itself comfortable when from about 20 ft, I fired the SkatterLantern in its direction, the dog's ears pricked up, it made a yelp then took off up the path back in the direction of its house without doing it's business! I met with the neighbor/owner afterwards who apologized that their new puppy(young dog) escaped since it had been chasing the local neighborhood cats and they had been out looking for him. The dog (Arnie) seemed very friendly and none the worse for the experience though he might remember the terrible screech emanating from the house down the road and avoid it in future (one can only hope - German shepherds are reportedly smart).